North Carolina, Appellants v. Sandra Little Covington

Summary

The Court summarily affirmed in part and reversed in part the District Court's remedial redistricting order. It held that the District Court properly retained jurisdiction because plaintiffs alleged continued racial segregation in new maps, and that circumstantial evidence supported the racial gerrymandering finding despite legislative claims not to consider race. The Court also found no abuse of discretion in appointing a Special Master. However, it reversed the District Court's order striking down redraws of Wake and Mecklenburg counties based on the state constitution, noting federal remedial authority is limited to curing federal violations. Justice Thomas dissented, arguing the case should not be disposed of summarily.